Nottingham School Of Art And Design

SUMMARY

The Nottingham School of Art & Design, part of Nottingham Trent University, is renowned for art and design education, dating back to 1843. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses across graphic design, fashion, textiles, digital arts, and visual communication. With its rich heritage and modern facilities, the school combines studio-based learning with technology. Located at the heart of Nottingham’s city campus, the school maintains strong industry links and fosters innovation, research, and collaboration.

HISTORY

The Nottingham School of Art & Design has its origins in the provincial branch of the Government School of Design, which was founded in 1843 in Nottingham. At this time, the UK government aimed to raise design standards in manufacturing, leading to the establishment of regional art and design training centres. Initially, the school was located at the People’s Hall in Beck Lane and later moved to Plumptre House and Commerce Square. In 1863, a purpose-built facility was constructed on Waverley Street, where the foundation stone was laid, and the building opened in 1865. The school continued to grow, offering design education to a wider audience.

By the early 20th century, the school evolved alongside the broader educational landscape in Nottingham. It became part of the College of Art and then merged with technical institutions in the post-war years. In 1970, Nottingham Trent Polytechnic was formed, and the art and design departments were integrated into this new institution. With the university’s designation in 1992, the School of Art & Design became part of Nottingham Trent University.

The school’s facilities expanded during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Notably, the Bonington Building, which was opened in 1969, underwent a major renovation in 2005 to include modern studios and exhibition spaces like the Bonington Gallery. Further, the Maudslay Building was adapted to offer rapid-prototyping workshops. Over the years, the school continued to innovate, incorporating new disciplines and responding to emerging design trends and technologies.

Today, the School of Art & Design stands as a leader in the field, with over 175 years of educational impact. Its courses are grounded in a rich history of craftsmanship and design excellence, while embracing modern developments such as sustainable design practices and digital innovation. With over 40,000 students and staff spanning five university sites, parent university Nottingham Trent University is one of the largest and most influential higher education institutions in the country and the 7th largest university in terms of enrolled students overall (HESA 2023-24). it also has the highest headcount of students with a declared disability in the UK (HESA 2023-24*) and in 2024-25, 37% students were from an ethnically diverse background.

VISION

The vision of the Nottingham School of Art & Design is grounded in the belief that creative education should be at the forefront of both cultural and technological advancement. From its early days, the school was designed to serve local industries, raising standards in design and manufacturing. The school’s approach combines a deep respect for its heritage with an ambition to lead in contemporary design education. It seeks to offer students studio-based teaching, live industry briefs, and the use of cutting-edge technologies to prepare them for the challenges of the modern design industry. Research initiatives are also integral to its vision, focusing on areas such as sustainable design, well-being, and regional heritage.

TOP DESIGN COURSES

Costume Design and Construction BA (Hons) specialist degree focuses on developing both costume design and costume construction skills. Students will learn how to translate creative ideas into professional costumes for theatre, film and television, dance, opera and other performance areas. They will also have the opportunity to explore relevant skills: corsetry, pattern cutting, draping, tailoring, millinery, costume props, fabric knowledge, textile breaking down, print and dye and other emerging technologies. The aim is to create future-facing professionals, who are industry relevant, work collaboratively, and are outward-facing autonomous practitioners.

Design for Theatre and Live Performance BA (Hons) transforms empty stages into vivid new worlds and sets a powerful scene that conjures emotions before a word’s been spoken, or a note’s been played. If you’re a visual storyteller with a love of live performance and  looking to create lifelong memories for audiences around the world, this is the perfect course. Students live and breathe live performance, developing their skills and trademark style as a designer. They also learn from tutors who’ve collaborated on some of the most visually spectacular productions in the world, from A-list concerts to Broadway musicals.

Textile Design BA (Hons) is for the creative, the experimental and the environmentally conscious. It’s for designers and artists alike, giving them the flexibility to trial all types of media and master traditional crafts side by side with the latest digital technologies. Many students go on to become industry trailblazers, prestigious award-winners and respected designers; with 92 million tonnes of textiles waste produced every year and the apparel industry’s global emissions set to increase by 50% by 2030, sustainable textile design has never been more important. On this course, conscious creativity comes first. You’ll become an agent of change, advocating for responsible design and future-proofing the industry.

Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles BA (Hons) offers full creative control over the design and creation of fabrics, garments and products for fashion or interiors. Students develop their creative potential through developing technical and design skills, including innovative digital knit processes that are in high demand in the fashion and textile industry. The experienced staff will guide them through the journey, helping them transform a vision into tangible creations. With a perfect balance between technical teaching and project-based work, Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles will empower students to bring their creative aspirations to life while laying a solid foundation for a fulfilling career in the dynamic world of fashion and knitwear.

KEY TEAM

The leadership of the Nottingham School of Art & Design includes a diverse group of academics and professionals, each contributing to the school’s continued success. Michael Marsden, the Executive Dean, plays a key role in setting the strategic direction for the school, overseeing its educational and research activities. Natalie Brown, the Deputy Dean, supports the development of new initiatives and ensures the smooth operation of the school. Amanda Briggs-Goode, the Head of the Department for Fashion, Textiles & Knitwear Design, oversees the design and delivery of courses in this area, guiding students through both creative and commercial aspects of fashion. Other key individuals include Richard Bibb, the Associate Dean for Research, and Guy Bingham, the Associate Dean for Practice.

JOB INTEGRATION SERVICES

Nottingham School of Art & Design offers comprehensive job integration services designed to support students as they transition into the workforce. A hallmark of its programmes is the incorporation of a professional practice year or placement module, which allows students to gain industry experience and develop their professional portfolios. This placement year is particularly valuable for students in programmes such as Graphic Design BA (Hons), where industry collaborations and live briefs are integral to the curriculum.

The school maintains robust links with industry partners, including international design agencies and local businesses, facilitating internships, collaborations, and guest lectures. These connections ensure that students are well-prepared for the realities of the creative industries. Additionally, the school runs portfolio reviews, networking events, and workshops that connect students with potential employers. For postgraduate students, there is an emphasis on research and consultancy, allowing them to move into roles as independent designers, researchers, or entrepreneurs.

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